OCTOBER NATURE NOTES
By Katie Andersen
Autumn is now in full swing. The days are rapidly becoming shorter, insect songs are fading off, and the majority of migration for neotropic songbirds wraps up this month. Birds that may spend their winter with us begin increasing in numbers and we’ll start looking for potential irruptive species this month. Read on to see what else we can expect this month.
Yellow-rumped Warbler by Katie Andersen
Migration numbers swell for Yellow-rumped Warblers, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have mostly left the area; occasional stragglers may be seen early in the month.
Hummingbirds seen after October 10th should be carefully documented, as they may be either late Ruby-throateds or rare visitors from the west, such as Rufous Hummingbirds.
Hermit Thrush on Hawthorne bush by Katie Andersen
Migrating Hermit, Swainson’s, and Gray-cheeked Thrushes can be seen feeding on wild grapes, crab apples, pokeweed, and other fall fruits.
First migrating owls, including the Saw Whet and Short-eared Owls, appear.
Red-breasted Nuthatch by Katie Andersen
Chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and jays are caching seeds and nuts for the winter.
Raptor migration peaks. Consider a trip to Hawk Mountain, PA
White-throated Sparrow by Katie Andersen
Juncos and White-throated Sparrows become common at feeders. Provide seed for them in ground feeders.
Fall colors peak this month.
Monarch Butterfly migration finishes early in the month.
Chipmunks and squirrels are busy gathering and storing food for winter.
Milkweed pods open and spread their seeds.
Flowers open on witch-hazel, one of our latest blooming shrubs
October 2023 Dates Of Note:
Oct. 14: New Moon, Oct. 28: Full Moon.
Oct. 8-9: Draconids meteor shower peaks.
Oct. 21-22: Orionids meteor shower peaks.